About Us

History

The Chess Club was founded in the 1970s by staff of Rothamsted Experimental Station (as it was then known) for past and present employees. Rothamsted Research plays a key supporting role in the club’s development and success. It provides a venue and facilities for the club at a subsidised rate. Over the years, with the blessing of Rothamsted Research, the club has admitted keen chess players from the local community. To maintain the long traditions of the club, the club Committee aims for a membership about half of which have Rothamsted affiliations.

Rothamsted Chess Club is a member of the Hertfordshire Chess Association, competing in its league and cup competitions for over 40 years. The club currently has 12 members, including Mikhail Zlobin, the 2024 Hertfordshire Davis Cup winner. One sad note this season was the passing of John Peate, a much loved and stalwart member of Rothamsted for the past 19 years. We were all pleased that, despite his ill health, John was able to join us to play in the second team’s first ever match - playing on top board, John was disappointed to only draw!